Machine for rolling metal



Dec. 10, 1935. w 5 w |N 2,023,656

MACHINE FOR ROLLING'METAL I 1 Filed April 6, 1935 1 2 sheets sneei' 1 in rent,- VV/ILTER SAMUEL. Vll uu/vs W. S. WILKINS MACHINE FOR ROLLING METAL Filed April 6, 1955 Dec 10, 1935.

2 Sheets-Sheet 2 v I I "sa 1110. 4444 11.;

IIIIII In /11F)? WALTER 5mm: W/l. Knvg Patented Dec. 10, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT, OFFICE MACHINE FOR ROLLING NlETAL Application April 6, 1935, Serial No. 15,101 In Great Britain November 29, 1938 8 Claims. (CI. 80-16) The invention relates to machines for rolling metal.

Heretofore, when it has been required to roll metal sheets or discs to a form tapering in the direction of the passes, it has been found necessary to employ rolls with surfaces of volute form, that is to say rolls having their operative surfaces of progressively increasing diameter in the direction of the pass. Such rolls have of necessity been of relatively large diameter so that the contacting areas of the rolls on the work have been relatively large, putting a considerable degree of pressure on the bearings.

A machine according to the present invention comprises a pair of .rolls for rolling sheets and discs said rolls being supported outwardly by supporting surfaces which are substantially fiat, one placed conveniently below a lower roll and the other above an upper roll. The work is caused to pass betweenthe rolls, and these, while they roll on the work, roll also against their supporting surfaces, and these latter may be set at a small angle one to the other whereby the rolls are caused to move towards one another during the pass and produce a longitudinal taper to the work. The rolls may have the journals at their ends housed in suitable bearings, but they put substantially no pressure on such bearings as they receive support along their whole length from their respective supporting surfaces. For this reason the rolls may be of relatively small diameter. As will be understood the supporting surfaces must be reciprocated in relation to the work or the work reciprocated in relation to the supporting surfaces, while the rolls will move in the same direction, but at half the speed.

In the case of rolling down the margin of a metal disc, the latter may be mounted upon a table and may be turned through a small angle after each pass.

A convenient embodiment of the invention, as applied to rolling a taper on a disc, is described with reference to the drawings herewith in which:

Figure 2 is a plan view of the machine illustrated in Figure 1, but with a part of the work table and a part of the head broken away to show parts beneath.

Figure 3 is a part longitudinal vertical section taken in the plane indicated by the line 3, 3, of Figure 2, but showing the rolls in their rearward position.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary view to show the brake and clutch operating means; and,

Figure 5 is a fragmentary view in vertical section to illustrate the mounting of the sliding carriage on the machine bed.

In these drawings, A is the bed of the machine having guides a on which slides a carriage B provided with lugs b to which are pivoted the little ends of two connecting rods C the big ends of which engage on crank pins (1 of a crank shaft i D. This latter has mounted on it four toothed wheels d gearing with four toothed pinions e on a driving shaft E having a driving pulley e driven from a suitable source of power such for instance as an electric motor, not shown. By these means the carriage B is reciprocated endwise on the guides a of the bed A.

At each side of the carriage B is a guide box b through which passes a rearwardly extending slide j of a housing .F, there being one of these at each side of the machine. Each housing has a vertical guide ,1" in which slide the two bearings g g of a pair of rolls G G, the roll G being a lower roll and the roll G an upper roll. The bearings are slidable in the guides and at each side are pressed apart by a coil spring g The slide 1 is reciprocated from the mid points of two vertical levers f linked 'at their upper ends to the part B of the carriage B, and at their lower ends to the bed A of the machine. Thus the rolls are moved at half the speed of the carriage B and over only half the distance.

The upper half B of the carriage B is movable vertically in relation to the lower half, slides I; being provided on the upper half engaging in guides b on the lower half; and the upper half is pressed up by coil springs b housed in recesses in the upper and lower halves.

On the top of the upper half there is secured a, plate H provided on its upper surface with wide teeth It extending across the plate and each tooth has its forward face sloped as shown, while each has its rearward face vertical. Above the plate H is a plate H with counterpart teeth. To the rear end of the plate H' are pivoted two longltudinally extending bars h which pass through a fixed plate or abutment J. Each bar carries two nuts one of which 71. is located in front of the abutment and the other 71. to the rear of the abutment. These nuts are so placed on the bar that, when the carriage is nearing the end of its forward stroke, the nut 7L encounters the abutment and holds the bar and consequently the plate H is held while the plate H moves on a short distance. This causes the upper teeth to ride up the lower and press down the plate H in relation to the plate H. This is the condition shown in Figure 1. Near the end of the rearward movement of the carriage B the nut It strikes the abutment and the plate H is again stopped while the plate H moves on. Hence the plate H can move down in relation to the plate H. This is the condition shown in Figure 3. On the bottoms of the upper teeth and on the tops of .the lower are short fiat portions affording bearing surfaces between the plates H and H when the plate H is pressed down. 1

Four long vertical bolts K are secured at their feet into the carriage B and they extend up through the upper portion B and through the plates H and H, but the latter has elongated holes for the bolts to pass through to allow of endwise movement of the plate H in relation to the carriage. on the upper ends of the bolts are screwed large nuts M each having integral with it a worm wheel m. The four worm wheels are engaged two and two by two worms m of a worm shaft m This is provided on one end with a square m by which it may be turned by a suitable key. In this way the nuts M can be adjusted in unison vertically on the bolts K. The shaft m may be divided at its mid-point to permit of separate adjustment at the two sides of the machine.

In the lower part of the carriage B is mounted a horizontal plate N (see Figure 3) which forms an abutment to downward pressure from the roll G. In the upper part B of the carriage there is mounted a plate,N which is sloped at a small angle to the horizontal.

P is the table for supporting the disc Q on which the rolling operation is to be performed. Projecting up through the table is a spigot R of elongated shape as seen in plan and the disc Q has a hole of corresponding shape in its centre whereby rotation of the spigot causes rotation of the disc. The spigot carries a toothed wheel r gearing with a toothed wheel s loosely mounted on a spindle S. Rigid and concentric with the wheel is a ratchet wheel s adapted to be engaged at the end of each rearward stroke by a pawl T (see Figure 2) operated through a lever it from a rod t. This latter is reciprocated by a cam device on the driving shaft E. The vcam device is indicated at t in Figure 2. I

The pawl T moves the wheel s round tooth by tooth and the diameter of the wheel s is twice the diameter of the wheel 1' so that the spigot R and hence the disc Q makes two revolutions to one revolution of the wheel s. It will be seen that the wheel shas one tooth s which is only of half length, and that opposite to it is a tooth s which has a length one and onehalf. When the disc has made one revolution the pawl encounters the half tooth and gives only a short movement to the disc, but subsequent movements are the-same as before. Consequently the angular positions at which the disc will be stopped duringits second revolution will be between the angular positions at which it was stopped during its first revolution. When the pawl encounters the long tooth it cannot leave it and so the revolution of the disc is stopped. In order to prevent the disc over-running after each operation of the pawl 'a detent W is provided to engage on the teeth of the wheel s and hold it except when the pawl operates. The detent is lifted at such time from-the teeth by a lever w operated by a rod w and cam device w on the driving shaft E.

, springs b and take the pressure off the rolls. 5

rod 6 extending axially through the driving shaft and operated by a starting lever I (see Figure 1) through the medium-of a lever 8 pivoted at 9 to lugs ID on the machine bed. This lever is connected at its lower end to a short lateral bar ll moved endwise by a lever arm I! on a torsion rod l3, on the other or forward end of which is an arm I4 connected across to the lever 1 by a rod 10 IS. The short bar l l also connects with two toggles l6, which actuate two brake shoes I! which serve to stop the driving shaft as soon as the clutch is thrown out.

To perform a rolling operation the disc Q, which is at first of even thickness, is placed on the table and its central hole is fitted on to the spigot R. The carriage B may at such time be in its rearward or forward position but in Figure 3 it is shown as in its rearward position. The plate H will have been pushed forward in relation to the plate H by the nut it having encountered the abutment J. The upper part of the carriage is therefore in its upward position being pressed up by the springs b. The plate N therefore exerts no downward pressure on the roll G. The machine is started upby moving in the lever .1. This takes off the brake and throws in the clutch. The carriage then moves forward and the rolls move in the same direction but at half speed. 30 During this stroke the rolls exert no pressure on the disc. Just before the end of this stroke the nut h. encounters the abutment J and the teeth of the plate H ride up on the teeth of the plate H until the flats on the plate H rest on those of 35 the plate H. This causes the upper part of the carriage to be pressed'down the reaction coming on the nuts M. The parts are now in the position shown in Figure 1, and the roll G is now pressing on the disc Q. 40 As the-carriage moves back the engagement of the sloping plate N on the roll G gradually forces it down putting pressure on the disc and the reaction is taken on the lower roll which moves horizontally being supported by the lower 45 plate N. Hence the rollsgradually approach one another and roll a taper path radially on the disc, and the machine comes again to the position shown in Figure 3. Just before the end of this stroke, however, the nut h? has again encountered the abutment J and so stopped the plate H and allowed it to go down in relation to the plate H. Hence the upper part B of the carriage can again go up underv the action of the The upper rolls will in fact be moved clear of the disc by the action of the springs b. At this time the disc is rotated through a small angle by the pawl T.

, Each complete reciprocation rolls a radial path 60 but there will be ridges left between the paths after the first revolution of the disc. These, however, will be rolled out during the next revolutionas the disc then stops at the intermediate posltions.

If desired a gap 'such as 1:. may be formed at one or each end of the plate N to allow the disc to be put in place more easily.

As will now be understood a machine of the above type may be used for rolling a sheet to a 70 longitudinally tapering form. In such case the means for rotating the work are not necessary. The plates N and N need not have flat faces as they may be given any contour to suit the form of the work. 75

It is not essential that either of the plates should be slanted, as the rolls could be used for parallel rolling.

If desired the rolling means may be duplicated, that is to say the machine may be doubleended and the work operated upon at two opposite parts. There would in such case be two carriages and two roll housings.

In lieu of reciprocating the carriage or each '1 carriage such movement may be given to the work carrying table.

It has already beenproposedto reduce metal tubes and rods in diameter by operating upon them, by a series of passes, with a pair of grooved rolls which are supported by inclined surfaces of blocks each having a convex contour in cross section to correspond to the grooves in the rolls the inclining of the surfaces. being for the purpose of operating on the tube or rod in stages to reduce to parallel form and not to produce a tapered tube or rod.

Having fully described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by' Letters Patent is:-

1. A machine for rolling a disc orplate to taper form or for reducing or varying its original section, comprising means for supporting the work, a pair of rolls for rolling on the work, a pair of substantially fiat supporting surfaces, a carriage for said supporting surfaces, a carriage for said rolls, means for producing positive relative endwise movement between said work and said carriage for said supporting surfaces and means for producing positive relative endwise movement at half .speed between said carriage for said rolls and said carriage .for said: supporting surfaces,

whereby as said rolls roll on the work they roll i also on the said supporting surfaces.

2. A machine for rolling a disc or plate to taper form comprising means for supporting the 4o work, a,p'air of rolls for rolling on the work, a

pair of'substantially flat supporting surfaces inclined'to one another, a carriage for said supporting surfaces, a carriage for said rolls, means for producing positive relative endwise movement between said work and said carriage for said supporting surfaces and means for producing positive relative endwise movement at half speed between said carriage for said rolls and said carriage for said supporting surfaces, whereby as said rolls roll on the work they roll also on the said supporting surfaces.

3; A machine for rolling adisc or plate to taper form or for reducing or varying its section comprising means for supporting the ,work, a pair of rolls for rolling on the work,-a pair of substantially flat supporting surfaces, acarriage for said supp r ing surfaces, means for reciproeating said carriage endwise in relation to the machine bed,-a lever linked at one end to said bed 60 and at'the other end to said carriage, acarriage gf said rolls-and means for connecting said carriagenf said rolls to the mid point of said lever .whereby, as said rcllsroll on the work and on, the supporting surfaces,- their carriage is moved 65 at half the-speed of said carriage for said supporting surfaces. v

4. A machine for rolling a disc or plate to taper form or'for reducing orvarying its original section, comprising means for supporting the 7 work, a pair of rolls for-rolling on the work, a pair of substantially flat supporting surfaces, a

I carriage for said 81199 111118 surfaces, a carriage for said rolls, means for producing relative endwise movement between said carriage for the sup- I; porting surfaces and the work and for producing endwise movement of said carriage for said rolls, whereby as said rolls roll on the work they roll also on said supporting surfaces, said carriage for said supporting surfaces divided longitudinally into an upper part and a lower part, 5

means for raising said upper part at the end of an operative stroke to relieve the pressure on said rolls and means for setting down said upper part prior to the operative stroke.

5. A machine for rolling a disc or plate to 1 taper form or for reducing or varying its original section, comprising means for supporting the work, a pair of rolls for rolling on the work, a pair of substantially flat supporting surfaces, a carriage for said supporting surfaces, a carriage for 15 said rolls, means for producing relative endwise movement between said carriage for the supporting surfaces and the work and means forproducing endwise movement of said carriage for said rolls, whereby as said rolls roll on the work 20 they roll also on said supporting surfaces, said carriage for said supporting surfaces divided longitudinally and horizontally into an upper part and a lower part, a sloping surface ofsaid upper part, an endwise moving slider, a sloping surface 25 of said slider adapted to engage on said sloping surface of said upper part, means to give downward' support to said slider, and means for moving said slider in relation to said upper part at the end of each stroke of the machine. 6. A machine for rolling a disc or plate to taper form or for reducing or varying its original section, comprising means for supporting the work, a pair of .rolls for rolling on the work, a pair of substantially flat supporting surfaces, 9. carriage for said supporting surfaces, a carriage for said rolls, means for producing endwise movement of said carriage for said supporting surfaces,

means for producing endwise movement of said carriage for said rolls, whereby, as said rolls roll 40 on the work, they roll also on saidsupporting surfaces, said carriage for said supporting surfaces divided longitudinally and horizontally into an upper part and a lower part, a sloping surface of said upper part, an endwise moving slider, s sloping surface of. said slider adapted to engage on said sloping surface of said upper part, means to give downward support to said slider, fixed stop means. on said machine for arresting the movement 'of said slider near the end of each stroke of the machine whereby said slider is caused to move in relation to=said carriage for said supporting surfaces.

'7. A machine for rolling a disc or plate to taper form or for reducing or varying itsg riginal section, comprising means for supporting the work, a pair of rolls for rolling on the work, a pair of substantially flat supporting surfaces, a carriage for said supporting surfaces, a carriage for said rolls, means for producing endwise move- N ment of said carriage for said supporting surfaces,

- means for producing endwise movement of said carriage'for said rolls whereby, as said rolls roll on the work, they roll also on said supporting surfaces, said carriage for said supporting surfaces 66 to said carriage, and springs .to upward movement to said upper part when said slider is in a position to allow of such movement.

supporting surfaces and the work, means for producing endwise movement of said carriage for said rolls whereby as said rolls roll on the work they roll also on said supporting surfaces, said carriage for said supporting surfacesdivided longitudinally and horizontally into an upper part and a'lower part, a sloping surface of said upper part, an endwise moving slider, a sloping surface of said slider adapted to engage onsaid sloping surface of said upper part, long bolts extending up from the bed of the machine, nuts on said bolts,

said nuts imparting downward pressure to said; upper part, and means for moving said slider in' o relation to said upper part at the end of each stroke of the machine.

WALTER SAMUEL wnms. 

